Young Adult

The movie version hits theaters this month, and I will let you decide which is better. One of the ways I get teenagers reading is to offer them books with movie versions, as 95% of the time the movie cannot hold a candle to the book (some exceptions of great books turned into great movies: To Kill a Mockingbird, The Godfather and The Silence of the Lambs). If you enjoyed The Princess Bride by William Goldman (and who on Earth could not love that story, which is a terrific example of a great book and wonderful movie), I have a feeling you will enjoy this book, a perfect 250 pages (the paperback version; the hardcover version weighs in at 10 pages less).

Another wonderful treat from a first time author. The title caught my eye, and the story grabbed me immediately. My biggest complaint with so many young adult authors is that they fail to depict realistic characters or situations. The strength of this book is the friendship between an unlikely pair – a skinny punk rocker and a suicidal “fat kid.” A moving, honest story.

I chose this book because I remember how stressful it was leaving elementary school for junior high (now known as middle school). So what if the author inserts a bit of Christianity in the text? It is a practical and inspirational book that can put a lot of new teenagers’ minds at rest for the upcoming school year (that is, after summer vacation).

I have never understood all of the hubbub over vampires. To me vampire stories work best when there is some humor involved (like The Lost Boys, Once Bitten and Vampire’s Kiss). I grabbed a copy of this book because the author used to be a stand-up comic, so I figured it might be entertaining. Boy, is it, as I am now an Ellen Schreiber fan. Parents, you’re in luck, as she has written a series of fun vampire novels for teens.

When Amber just tries to fit in, she finds her life spinning out of control. I liked this story for the message it sends teens about losing one’s self in the race to be popular.

There are a lot of trashy teen romance stories out there. Believe me. So whenever I come across an author who can create characters that I empathize with who do not live in a mansion or attend an elite prep school, I am relieved. Echols writes witty banter between her main love interests that sets her writing apart from a crowded field of garbage.

I read a lot, but I do not read enough. That is how I frequently encounter a brilliant author for the first time. Sorry to be so behind, as Joan Bauer is well-known in circles outside of my own (which includes only me). She is hilarious, but that discounts her truly gifted writing ability. Excited to read all of her other books!

Having struggled with my weight my entire life (especially during adolescence), I identified with almost everything in this funny and uplifting coming-of-age story. Who says that all young adult literature has to deal with suicide and vampires?

Riveting paranormal story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Great book for discussions!

What a treat! I had never read any of the books in The Saint series, and this newer collection of the stories are page-turners with interesting tidbits about Charteris in the back. This issue is a good “gateway drug” to the rest of the series.

I chose the book for its funny title and was treated to a funny yet moving story of an odd teen couple who, oddly, fit together perfectly.

Every now and then I stumble upon a hidden treasure. If you have not read this book, go out and get it NOW! Middle schoolers eat this up, and UNlike the typical faire for middle schoolers, this book UNderscores the importance of our decisions. Students will Understand that actions have consequences, which makes this a perfect book for provocative discussions.

This is EXACTLY the kind of book I like to feature, as it is well-written, funny, a quick read and – rare for young adult fair – a genuinely nice and heart-warming story.

Just when I thought most young adult literature was written for nitwits and goths, I discovered this gem by John Green. This book will either delight or annoy your students, but it will definitely spark discussions with its DaVinci Code-style of anagrams and other quirks (I LOVED that it included footnotes and appendices, but – then again – I am a nerd).

February is Black History Month, and some of my favorite poets are African American. Walter Dean Myers is one of my favorite authors for teens, and the poems he includes in this collection show students how to use their distinct voices in their writing.